Securing device

ABSTRACT

The present invention provides a securing device for securing, gripping and hanging items, such as securing a liner to a receptacle or surface of an object comprising protrusions and recesses, wherein the protrusions are removably secured in the recesses to retain the securing device in a closed position and for enabling liner material to be firmly grasped between the surfaces of the protrusions and recesses.

TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of securing, grasping,hanging, holding and retaining items.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Flexible liners, such as plastic bags and thin plastic sheets,are used in a variety of applications. For example, plastic bags areused, for many purposes, including lining for receptacles, such as trashcans, to hold the contents disposed there within. The bag is placed inthe interior of the receptacle and the top of the bag is folded over thetop of the receptacle around its perimeter. Contents are put into thebag and retained within the bag. When the bag is full, it is removed andclosed by any one of a variety of means known in the art, such as usingtwist ties or simply tying the upper portion of the bag into a knot.Then another empty bag is placed into the receptacle to be filled again.This enables the receptacle itself to remain in place and be re-used,whereas each bag, when full, may be transported away.

[0003] However, plastic bag liners frequently are pulled downward intothe receptacle because of the weight of the contents of the bag or whenmaterial tossed into the bag otherwise pulls the liner downward into thereceptacle. A variety of means have been employed to prevent thisoccurrence, including elastic bands and clamps. These, and other priorart methods for retaining the liner, have drawbacks such as cost,difficulty of use and manufacture, and frequently fail to retain theliner in place.

[0004] Plastic sheets are also used to cover and protect things, such aswhen a painter uses a tarp to protect surface from paint. Here too, areliable means of hanging or otherwise securing the lining material tothe surface of an object, such as a wall, for example, is needed. Thereis also a need for easily installed, low cost securing devices forhanging items such as cables, and for clamping together thin materials.For these and other applications, there is a need for a securing devicethat overcomes limitations of the prior art.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0005] The present invention provides a securing device that overcomeslimitations of the prior art.

[0006] The present invention provides a device for securing a liner to areceptacle or surface of an object, for hanging items, and for clampingthin materials. The invention comprises a set of one or more protrusionsand a set of one or more recesses for receiving one or more of theprotrusions so that when the securing device is in a closed position atleast one of the protrusions is removably secured in a recess. A linermay be firmly grasped between the surface of at least one protrusion anda recess. Thin materials may be grasped by a grasping mechanism that canbe incorporated into the device. Also, items may be inserted through abend of the device for hanging the item. A grasping tab may be providedto facilitate the opening and closing of the device. Further, a handlemay be provided to facilitate lifting of an object to which the deviceof the present invention is attached.

[0007] One or more securing devices may be adhered to the surface of anexisting object or may be formed integrally with the structure of theobject during its manufacture. The securing device may be adheredpermanently or removably adhered to a surface.

[0008] The foregoing has outlined rather broadly the features andtechnical advantages of the present invention in order that the detaileddescription of the invention that follows may be better understood.Additional features and advantages of the invention will be describedhereinafter. It should be appreciated by those skilled in the art thatthe disclosure provided herein may be readily utilized as a basis formodifying or designing other structures for carrying out the samepurposes of the present invention. Persons of skill in the art willrealize that such equivalent constructions do not depart from the spiritand scope of the invention as set forth in the appended claims, and thatnot all objects attainable by the present invention need be attained ineach and every embodiment that falls within the scope of the appendedclaims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0009] For a more complete understanding of the present invention, andthe advantages thereof, reference is now made to the followingdescriptions taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, inwhich:

[0010]FIG. 1 is a drawing of an embodiment of the present invention inan open position.

[0011]FIG. 2 is a drawing of an embodiment of the present invention in aclosed position.

[0012]FIG. 3 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the presentinvention.

[0013]FIG. 4 shows a receptacle with liner-securing devices affixedthereto.

[0014]FIG. 5 shows an embodiment of the present invention for securing aliner in a hanging position.

[0015]FIG. 6 shows an embodiment of the present invention with anextended protrusion.

[0016]FIG. 7 shows an embodiment of the present invention with aprotrusion adjacent to a recess on a side of the device.

[0017]FIG. 8 shows an embodiment with a curvature conformal to thecurvature of an object surface.

[0018]FIG. 9 shows an embodiment with recesses formed in the bulk ofmaterial forming the securing device.

[0019]FIG. 10 shows an embodiment of the invention with detachableseparate parts.

[0020]FIG. 11 shows an embodiment of the invention with a handle.

[0021]FIG. 12 shows various shapes of recesses and protrusions.

[0022]FIG. 13 shows an embodiment of the invention with socket-likerecesses for receiving protrusions.

[0023]FIG. 14 shows a perspective view of an embodiment with continuousclosed-path channels.

[0024]FIG. 15 shows a plan view of continuous closed path channels.

[0025]FIG. 16 shows a cross-sectional view of channels withside-indentations.

[0026]FIG. 17 shows an embodiment with a grasping mechanism.

[0027]FIG. 18 shows an embodiment with an extended bend forming amechanism for hanging objects.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0028] A preferred embodiment of the present invention is drawn inFIG. 1. A securing device 100 is shown in an open position with a set ofprotrusions 110 receivable into a set of recesses 130, formed by a setof protrusions 120, that are conformal to the shape of protrusions 110.Inserted between the surfaces of protrusions 110 and recesses 130 is aflexible liner material 300.

[0029]FIG. 2, shows device 100 in a closed position. There is sufficientspace between the surfaces of protrusions 110 and recesses 130 whendevice 100 is in the closed position to enable liner material 300, (notshown in FIG. 2), to fit between said surfaces and be firmly graspedthere between.

[0030] A shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, sufficient distance D is providedbetween protrusions 110 and 120 and a bend 150 of device 100 to allowexcess liner material to be disposed there through, when device 100 isused a liner-securing device. A two-sided adhesive strip 200, shown inFIG. 2, is adhered to surface 210 of device 100 to enable device 100 tobe adhered to a surface of a receptacle or object. A grasping tab 250 isprovided with grooves 260 and a circular formation 270 for graspingdevice 100 to close or open it.

[0031]FIG. 3 shows a perspective view of the device in an open position,where it can be seen that this embodiment can be formed by an extrusionprocess, well known in the art, and that multiple substantiallyidentical devices 100 of any desired width, W, can be cut from theoutput of the extrusion process. Device 100 is preferably formed from apliable material, such as polypropylene or other suitable material.

[0032] Preferably, the securing device of the present invention isextruded in the open position, at an angle, θ, as shown in FIGS. 1 and3, so that the device is biased in an open position, and so that forcemust be applied to place the device in the closed position shown in FIG.2. The angle, θ, at which the device remains in an open position untilpressure is applied to close it, is preferably chosen large enough toenable the easy insertion of the liner material, yet small enough toprevent the device from protruding outward undesirably far.

[0033] To secure a liner, an edge portion of liner 300 is insertedbetween protrusions 110 and recesses 130, when the device is in the openposition shown in FIG. 1, and device 100 is pressed into, and remainsin, the closed position shown in FIG. 2, until pulled open usinggrasping tab 250. The material comprising device 100 is preferablysufficiently pliable that applying slight pressure using the palm ofone's hand easily closes the device. Thus, protrusions 110 and recesses130 form a passive gripping mechanism which will hold device 100 in aclosed position without reliance on tension mechanisms or springdevices, which are dependent on the declining strength of the tensionmechanism.

[0034] Unlike clamping mechanisms, device 100 is not biased by anytension mechanism to be in a closed position. Tension mechanisms wearwith age and lose tension and grasping power. Further, mechanisms thatautomatically clamp to the closed position can be difficult for theelderly to open if designed to exhibit strong securing force, but wouldbe less forceful for restraining the liner if designed with less tensionto be more easily opened. Also, such clamping mechanisms create thepotential for a child to inadvertently clamp his or her finger, therebycausing injury. Note that protrusions 110 and recesses 130 preferablyexhibit sufficiently smooth surfaces that preclude puncture or tearingof liner 300, as well as human skin.

[0035] Note also, with reference to FIG. 2, that the distance D issufficiently long, the thickness t is sufficiently thick, and thecurvature of bend 150 is sufficiently large to enable repeated openingand closing of device 100 without the occurrence of tearing arising fromfriction, shear and stress. Also, the distance D and gap d arepreferably chosen to enable ample space for excess liner material.

[0036]FIG. 4 shows a view of a receptacle 400 with device 100 adhered tothe exterior sides of receptacle 400. Devices 100 may be placed inenough positions around the perimeter of receptacle 400 to ensure theplastic bag or liner material 300 is securely retained. The bulk ofliner 300 is disposed within receptacle 400. However, an upper portionof liner 300 is wrapped around the exterior perimeter of receptacle 400and pulled downward over recesses 130 and protrusions 110 of each device100 when a device 100 is in an open position. Then, each device 100 isplaced in the closed position to firmly grasp the liner between thesurfaces of protrusions 110 and recesses 130. As noted above, device 100can be made of any desired width, and in particular, the width, W, ofdevice 100 can be chosen sufficiently narrow to enable it to be adheredto the perimeter of a receptacle that exhibits substantial curvature.

[0037] Clearly, liner-securing device 100 can be used in an alternativedisposition as shown in FIG. 5 wherein liner material 300 hangs downwardfrom device 100, which is adhered by adhering mechanism 500 to surface510 of an object. This enables a liner to be secured to the interiorperimeter of a receptacle and is also useful when it is desired to use aliner to cover something, as when a painter hangs a flexible tarp overan item to be shielded from paint. An alternative configuration of thepresent invention is show in FIG. 6. Again, liner material is removablysecured between protrusions 110 and recesses 130 formed by protrusions120. In addition, an extended protrusion 180 is provided to press liner300 against the surface 510 to which device 100 is adhered by adheringmechanism 500 for applications where it is desirable to secure liner 300close to or against the surface 510.

[0038] Note, as shown by comparison of FIGS. 2 and 6, that theprotrusions 110 may be formed on side B of device 100 that is adhered toa surface, with recesses 130 on the opposite side, A, of the device (asin FIG. 6) or, alternatively, the recesses 130 may be formed on side Aof device 100 that is adhered to a surface, with protrusions 110 on theopposite side, B, of the device (as in FIG. 2). Yet alternatively,protrusions 110 and recesses 130 may be formed on both sides A and B ofdevice 100 as shown, for example, in FIG. 7.

[0039]FIG. 8 shows a configuration wherein a bend 825 at an angle φ indevice 100 is formed to enable device 100 to be adhered to a non-linearsurface 835 such as a corner or curved surface. The angle, φ, in FIG. 8is shown at about 90 degrees, although bend 825 may be formed to conformdevice 100 to provide substantially continuous contact with a surface ofany degree of curvature. As shown in FIG. 8, a side, C, of device 100may be adhered by adhering mechanism 200 to a surface forming a corner,with another side, D, of device 100 abutting against, but not adheredto, the other surface forming the corner. FIG. 8 also show analternative form of a grasping tab 850 that may be employed for openingand closing device 100.

[0040]FIG. 9 shows an alternative embodiment in a closed positionwherein recesses 130 are not formed by protrusions from the materialforming device 100, but rather, the recesses are formed by actualrecessions in the bulk of the material that forms device 100. Thethickness of the material is tapered 170 from a larger thickness t1 to asmaller thickness t2, to provide a region of space for excess linermaterial.

[0041] An alternative embodiment of the present invention is shown inFIG. 10. In a closed position, protrusions 410 are received intorecesses 430 formed by protrusions 420. A two-sided adhesive strip 500may be adhered to surface 510 to enable adherence to a receptacle orother surface. In FIG. 10, the device is shown with two detachable partsA and B. This embodiment has the disadvantage that part A, which is notadhered to the receptacle, may become misplaced when detached from partB. However, the embodiment enables any portion of liner 300 to beadhered to a surface of an object since the liner may extendindefinitely beyond the edges of the liner-securing device.

[0042] Another embodiment is shown in FIG. 11, wherein device 100comprises a handle 705. When device 100 is attached to surface 401 of areceptacle, handle 705 enables device 100 to be used to lift thereceptacle or an object to which device 100 is attached. As with theother embodiments shown, device 100 comprises protrusions 110 andrecesses 130 for removably securing device 100 in a closed position, andcan be adhered to a surface with an adhesive mechanism 500.

[0043] Note, in general, that the precise shape of the recesses andprotrusions will not be critical, as long as protrusions will fitsecurely within the recesses and that sufficient space exists betweenthe surfaces of the recesses and protrusions to enable the protrusionsto fit securely into the recesses, while providing sufficient force toretain device 100 in a closed position. Also, when used to retain aliner, sufficient force must exist to secure the liner when the linermaterial is placed between the oppositely faced surfaces of theprotrusions and recesses. When the liner is under tension, sufficientforce must exist to secure the protrusions in the recesses and grasp theliner between the surfaces. Thus, in the embodiment of FIG. 2, theprominent ridges 140 enhance the ability of the device to firmly graspthe liner. FIG. 12 shows, by way of examples, different configurationsof protrusions 110 and recesses 130 suitable for removably securingdevice 100 in a closed position. Note the interlocking configuration.Although, in preferred embodiments the surfaces of protrusions 110 andrecesses 130 are smooth and rounded, sharp corners could be employed.Further, protrusions 110 and recesses 130 can be asymmetrical in crosssection.

[0044] Note also, that although embodiments are shown with two recessesand a corresponding number of mating protrusions, alternativeembodiments may comprise only one recess and one mating protrusion orany feasible number of recesses and mating protrusions, wherein thenumber of recesses need not be equal to the number of matingprotrusions. An advantage to an embodiment with a plurality of recessesand a plurality of mating protrusions is the increase in strength withwhich the device is retained in a closed position and with which a linercan be secured in position.

[0045] In FIG. 13 is shown a segment of a different embodiment withprotrusions 720 forming socket-like recesses 730 into which conform-allyshaped mating protrusions 710 are received into recesses 730 in a closedposition, similar to the cross-sectional view of the closed positiondepicted in FIG. 2. Unlike the channel-like recesses and conform-allyshaped channel-like protrusions, as depicted in FIG. 3, which may beformed from an extrusion process, the embodiment of FIG. 13 ispreferably made from a mold or other process.

[0046]FIG. 14 shows a perspective view of yet another embodiment of thepresent invention as device 800. Device 800 exhibits a protrusion 810and recess 830 with indentations 850 and 860 on both sides A and B ofdevice 800, which sides are connected at bend 1010. Shown in FIG. 15 isa plan view of a segment of side A, having a recess 130, and a segmentof side B, having a protrusion 810, that correspond to sides A and B inFIG. 14. Side A of device 800 comprises a recess 830 forming acontinuous closed path. Side B of device 800 comprises a protrusion 810,also forming a continuous closed path that is conform-ally shaped to bereceived by recess 830 in a closed position. Projecting from oppositesides of recess 830 are indentations 850 which conform-ally mate toindentations 860 projecting from protrusion 810. When the device isclosed, indentations 850 are received by indentations 860, with a closetolerance such that the device “snaps” into place and is therebyremovably secured in the closed position. This is illustrated in FIG.16, which shows a cross-section view of device 800 in a plane throughindentations 850 and 860.

[0047] Any of the liner securing devices of the present invention may bepermanently or removably adhered to a receptacle or other surface of anobject using adhesive tape, glue or other suitable adhering mechanism.Moreover, a receptacle or surface may be manufactured with the device ofthe present invention integrated thereto. Thus, for example the presentinvention encompasses a receptacle with a plurality of securing devices,embodiments of which are described herein, integrally formed on theperimeter of the receptacle.

[0048]FIG. 17 shows yet another embodiment of the present invention.Device 100 comprises protrusions 110 receivable in a closed position byrecesses 130 formed by protrusions 120, and further comprises a grippingmechanism 900. Gripping mechanism 900 comprises two opposing protrusions900-A and 900-B with opposing faces. When device 100 is in a closedposition, the two opposing faces of gripping mechanism 900 can grip withsufficient opposing force one or more thin sheets of material insertedthere between. Opposing faces of the opposing protrusions 900-A and900-B may present rough surfaces to increase friction for strongergripping power. Alternatively, opposing faces of the opposingprotrusions of gripping mechanism 900 may be smooth to enable grippingwithout crumpling material inserted there between. The configuration ofFIG. 17 shows how the present invention can be used to grasp thin itemsat an edge thereof when device 100 is closed without inserting the itembetween protrusions 110 and recesses 130. Such a configuration isuseful, for example, as a copyholder for a typist, or as holder foroutgoing mail, or as a memo clip. Indeed, a thin magnetic strip can beadhered to a surface 210 of the device 100 and used as a clip thatmagnetically attaches to the door of a refrigerator or other metalsurface. The device may also be employed as a clip for signs or postednotices, or even restaurant orders posted in a kitchen, that frequentlychange.

[0049]FIG. 18 shows another configuration with a large extended bend 150to enable items of various sizes and cross sections to pass throughdevice 100. When the device is in a closed position, protrusions 110 arereceived by recesses 130 to secure the device in the closed position.Adhering mechanism 200 is employed to adhere device 100 to the surfaceof an object. The configuration of FIG. 18 shows how the presentinvention can be used to hold items in the bend region 150 of the devicewithout inserting the items between protrusions 110 and recess 130. Sucha configuration is useful, for example, as a cable-holder whereinelectrical cables run between points and must be banded together andhung from a surface. Such a configuration may also be employed to hangwashcloths, to hang a shop lamp, to route extension cords, etc.

[0050] Thus, the present invention may be employed for securing,grasping, hanging, holding and retaining items in a plurality ofsituations. As examples: hanging a curtain, retaining a material toblock sunlight entering a car window, auto-seat belt restrainer toprevent chafing, a clasp for keeping bread bags closed, a clasp enablinga common plastic grocery bag to be employed as a bib, a box-top snap, aclosure mechanism for closing a cooler or ice chest, for aligningfabrics when sewing articles of clothing, for securing hospital gowns,to enclose a portion of a room with a sheet for privacy, for gripping atray, as a quick-release mechanism for overshoes, boots, etc.

[0051] Although the present invention and its advantages have beendescribed in detail, it should be understood that various changes,substitutions and alterations can be made herein without departing fromthe spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.The invention achieves multiple objectives and because the invention canbe used in different applications for different purposes, not everyembodiment falling within the scope of the attached claims will achieveevery objective. Moreover, the scope of the present application is notintended to be limited to the particular embodiments of the process,machine, manufacture, composition of matter, means, methods and stepsdescribed in the specification. As one of ordinary skill in the art willreadily appreciate from the disclosure of the present invention,processes, machines, manufacture, compositions of matter, means,methods, or steps, presently existing or later to be developed thatperform substantially the same function or achieve substantially thesame result as the corresponding embodiments described herein may beutilized according to the present invention. Accordingly, the appendedclaims are intended to include within their scope such processes,machines, manufacture, compositions of matter, means, methods, or steps.

What is claimed is:
 1. A securing device comprising: a set of one ormore protrusions; a set of one or more recesses for receiving aprotrusion so that in a closed position at least one of the set ofprotrusions is removably securable in a recess.
 2. The device of claim1, wherein said device is biased in an open position.
 3. The device ofclaim 1, wherein a liner material may be gripped by surfaces of aprotrusion and a recess receiving said protrusion.
 4. The device ofclaim 3, further comprising an extended protrusion for pressing theliner against an object surface.
 5. The device of claim 1, furthercomprising a gripping mechanism to enable an item to be gripped by saidmechanism when the device is in a closed position.
 6. The device ofclaim 5, wherein the gripping mechanism exhibits smooth surfaces betweenwhich an item is grasped.
 7. The device of claim 1, further comprising abend through which an item may pass through and be retained by thedevice in a closed position.
 8. The device of claim 1, wherein a recessfurther comprises a channel for receiving a protrusion.
 9. The device ofclaim 1, wherein the device is formed from an extrusion process.
 10. Thedevice of claim 1, wherein the device exhibits a width that enablesadherence to an object surface that exhibits a specified curvature. 11.The device of claim 1, wherein the device exhibits a curvature thatconforms to the curvature of an object surface to which the device isadhered.
 12. The device of claim 1, wherein a recess forms a continuousclosed-path channel conformal to a protrusion that forms a continuousclosed-path channel.
 13. The device of claim 1, wherein a recess forms asocket for receiving a protrusion.
 14. A securing device, comprising atleast one protrusion and at least one recess for receiving a protrusion;wherein the device is removably retainable in a closed position byreception of at least one protrusion into at least one recess.
 15. Thedevice of claim 14, wherein a liner material may be gripped by surfacesof a protrusion and a recess receiving said protrusion.
 16. The deviceof claim 15, further comprising a region for containing excess linermaterial.
 17. The device of claim 14, further comprising a grippingmechanism to enable an item to be gripped by said mechanism when thedevice is in a closed position.
 18. The device of claim 14, furthercomprising a bend through which an item may pass through and be retainedby the device in a closed position.
 19. The device of claim 18, whereinthe device is employed to hang one or more items passing through thebend.
 20. The device of claim 14, further comprising a handle tofacilitate lifting of the object to which the device is adhered.